SKUNKS

 

Skunks can be one of the scariest animals to have around a home. The skunk has the ability to spray anything that it thinks is an enemy. The spray is unbelievably pungent and can travel up to 23 feet. Additionally, skunks are a leading carrier of rabies in the Kansas City area.

 

Skunks are generally nocturnal animals. If you see one during the day, call Cridder Ridder as soon as possible, as it may be rabid. Skunks biting humans is rare but can happen if the skunk has rabies.

Skunks can be quite destructive. They can prey upon small farm animals, ground-nesting birds, and they are known for their ability to dig holes. Skunk control can help prevent skunks from destroying lawns, flower beds, and gardens with their digging.

 

Skunk trapping or skunk removal is often necessary when skunks burrow and den under porches, sheds, or foundations. After trapping, skunk control is often necessary to exclude skunks from re-entry. Exclusion of skunks requires some type of permanent obstruction blocking skunks from re-digging the burrow.

 

SKUNK DISEASES

Skunks carry a number of diseases that can be harmful or transmitted to people, pets, or other animals. Skunks are a leading carrier of rabies. The transmission of rabies begins when the infected saliva of a skunk is passed to an uninfected person or animal. The most common mode of rabies transmission is through bites or scratches that contain saliva. Rabies infection in humans can cause death if untreated.

Distemper can be carried and spread to other animals (especially dogs) by skunks. Distemper does not affect humans. The disease is spread when uninfected animals come in contact with urine of an infected animal. Dogs can be vaccinated to prevent this infection.

 

SKUNK FACTS

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• Though they typically prefer to dine on insects and grubs, skunks are omnivores, consuming a vast diet of both plant and animal matter. Skunks are opportunistic eaters, and their diets are flexible, often shifting with the seasons.

• Skunks are nocturnal, so they are most active at night. They do not hibernate, but they are mostly inactive during the coldest months in winter, when many gather in communal dens for warmth. For the remainder of the year, skunks are generally solitary, living and foraging alone.

• Mating season is one of the only other times when skunks tend to socialize. Skunks have litters of 1-7 young in late April through early June.

• Skunks have strong forefeet and long nails which make them excellent diggers. They dig holes in lawns, gardens and golf courses in search of food like grubs and earthworms. When no other form of shelter is available, they may even burrow under buildings by entering foundation openings.

• Skunks are known to release a powerful smell through their anal glands, when threatened. Skunks will usually only attack when cornered or defending their young. Spraying is not the first method of defense. Skunks will growl, spit, fluff their fur, shake their tail, and stamp the ground. If the intruder does not leave, they will lift their tail and spray their famous skunk odor.

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These are some of our other specialties:

• Bats

• Squirrels

• Raccoons

• Birds

• Mice

• Snakes

• Opossums

• Groundhogs

• Dead Animals

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​If you need assistance with a domestic animal, such as a dog or a cat, you need to call your local Kansas City county ANIMAL CONTROL services for assistance.